Top Italian journalistÂ Gianluca Di Marzio has revealed AC Milan officials have flown to London to hold discussion with Chelsea about signing Michael Essien on permanent basis.Â

Milan have been linked with a move for the 31-year-old from the beginning of the January but Rossoneri CEO Adriano Galliani insisted there was no concrete bid in place for the Ghana international.

Essien was a target for both Milan and Galatasaray, and that there were reservations at the Blues because they face the Turkish side in the Champions League next month and could face Milan if they get through.

But the 18-time Scudetto winners will find out whether Chelsea will allow the 'Bison' to move to the San Siro in the next 24 hours.

If Chelsea agrees the deal, Essien will join his Ghana team-mate Sulley Muntari at the club.